In The Wake Of The Loss Of A Friend | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

In The Wake Of The Loss Of A Friend

Maybe it's not about the happy ending. Maybe it's about the story.

27
In The Wake Of The Loss Of A Friend
ABC News

When we’re young, we grow to expect the loss of grandparents, of elderly neighbors, and of those who have lived long, full lives. However, we don’t expect to lose friends.

The loss of a friend is something I hoped I would never have to deal with, but in the last 4 years, I have been to the memorial services for two friends of mine, one who took her own life at 16 years old, and another whose life was taken from her by cancer at 20 years old.

In a moment, your entire life is changed, and the world doesn’t stop. You’re just left to make sense of the madness that you are now surrounded by, as the world continues to turn.

I expected to be miserable, to feel pain, to cry, and to yell. I couldn’t imagine how much I would learn from all of it.

Lesson 1: All of the emotions are okay.

The loss of a friend brought forth emotions I didn’t even know I had. Initially, I was shocked, confused, and heartbroken. I couldn’t fathom my new reality. When I could finally accept what had happened, I cried, a lot, I got angry, I yelled and screamed, and I let myself feel the pain.

It’s okay to cry and to yell, it’s okay to be confused and scared, and it’s even okay to be happy, especially when you look back on the memories. Every single one of us grieves differently and however you grieve, and whatever emotions you move through, it’s okay.

Lesson 2: Life is short.

Stop taking things for granted. Stop living in the past.

Life is so much shorter than any of us think it is. You always think that you will have another opportunity to say something, another opportunity to act…but that isn’t always true. So stop hesitating and stop waiting, life is short, and before you know it, your opportunity could be gone. Don’t think about the “maybes” and the “what ifs,” you can’t change the past, but you can change the future.

Lesson 3: Love is stronger.

Love is so much stronger than loss, pain, and grief.

Although the pain can be unimaginable, the sadness can be crushing, and the grief can seem to consume you, love is so much stronger. Family, friends, and your community are everything. When someone passes away, it is human nature for communities, families, and friends to come together. That support system is so important and so wonderful. Surviving the loss of anyone, especially someone young, requires support, and communities are awesome at that. The love of those who surround you will help you move forward, it will help you heal.

To those reading this who have lost a friend, know that you are not alone, they are always with you. And know that you can get through it. Lean on those who love you.

To everyone who may read this, please tell the people you love that you love them, catch up with an old friend whom you have lost contact with, and most importantly, do something good every day in memory of those who we have lost.

In loving memory of all the young souls that were taken before their time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23272
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9730
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7050
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments